Holiday Tour of inns raised $17K for needy

$16K of donations went to Empty Stocking Fund, $1K to St. Francis House

Special to The Record

Published Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The 2008 Holiday Tour of bed and breakfast inns brightened the holiday season for needy St. Augustine families and individuals.

Organized and presented last month by St. Augustine Historic Inns (SAHI) and 24 participating bed and breakfast innkeepers, the 15th annual Holiday Tour raised $16,000 for the Empty Stocking Fund, and $1,000 for St. Francis House shelter for the homeless. The Empty Stocking Fund donation was among the largest received by the charity of The St. Augustine Record.

Both contributions were presented just before Christmas by Kathleen Hurley, tour co-chair and owner of Casa de Suenos bed and breakfast inn.

"We are grateful to the St. Augustine Historic Inns for choosing the Empty Stocking Fund as a beneficiary of this wonderful event once again, especially this year when support was needed more than ever," said Derek May, publisher of The Record.

SAHI innkeepers were happy to help, Hurley said. It's one tangible way the association can contribute to the community during the holiday season and assist those in need, she noted.

Making the donations possible were tour sponsors and partners, said Mia Martin, tour chair and who owns Cedar House Inn along with her husband, Jack. Herbie Wiles Insurance was the holiday tour presenting sponsor. Additional sponsorship support came from The St. Augustine Record, Old Town Trolley Tours, which provided complimentary transportation along the route, Standard Printing Solutions and Haven Trust Bank.

Equally valuable support came from the holiday tour's 24 restaurant partners, who served food and beverages at each participating inn during the two days. Restaurants included: